National Trust - Finch Foundry - Okehampton

National Trust - Finch Foundry

The National Trust's Finch Foundry, located at Sticklepath, Okehampton EX20 2NW, United Kingdom, is a must-visit tourist attraction and museum that offers a unique glimpse into the past. With a 1837840046 phone number and a website at nationaltrust.org.uk, the Finch Foundry is easily accessible for those interested in exploring its rich history and beauty.

Specialties and Features

• Tourist attraction
• Museum
• Onsite services
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Getting tickets in advance recommended
• Good for kids

Other Points of Interest

The Finch Foundry boasts a picturesque setting with a beautiful little garden and mill. Visitors can experience a guided tour of the site, led by knowledgeable and engaging tour guides. The building and forge are accessible by guided tour only, which adds to the overall immersive experience.

Opinions and Reviews

With a remarkable 4.7/5 average rating based on 729 reviews on Google My Business, the National Trust - Finch Foundry has earned a stellar reputation among its visitors. Many have praised the informative and entertaining guided tours, with one visitor stating that it was probably their favorite small trust site. The combination of the picturesque setting, the working equipment, and the knowledgeable tour guides make for a truly memorable experience.

Recommendation

If you're looking for a unique and engaging attraction that offers a fascinating insight into the past, the National Trust - Finch Foundry is an excellent choice. Its convenient location, wheelchair accessible facilities, and family-friendly atmosphere make it an ideal destination for visitors of all ages. For more information or to book your guided tour, visit their website at nationaltrust.org.uk or contact them via phone at 1837840046. Don't miss the opportunity to step back in time and explore the rich history of the Finch Foundry.

👍 Reviews of National Trust - Finch Foundry

Chloe B.

5/5

Although this is a small trust site, this was probably one of my favorites. Beautiful little garden and mill. The Tour guide was brilliant, very informative and funny. Important to remember that the building and forge is accessible by guided your only.

Claire L.

5/5

Really interesting attraction. We had a guided tour around the site from a very knowledgeable gentleman and saw some of the equipment working. Picturesque setting and ample parking.

Mark T.

5/5

Great tour of finch foundry and its history. See the water wheels that powered it and learn about its owners and uses. Tour guide was very informative and great garden to relax in afterwards.

Brian T.

5/5

The guided tour was fascinating, in a nice village setting (the tea shop across the road I highly recommended).
Just be aware that the entry to the car park through the arch is narrow and gets more narrow.

Dr O. S.

5/5

If memory serves, I've been here four times. The first was a forced visit in the early 80s before the A30 bypassed Sticklepath and we were stuck in traffic (this was even before the NT took it under its wings). I was a bored teen but the waterwheel made a lasting impression. The 2nd visit was with my own kids but they were too small to remember but the tea shop made a bigger impression on me than perhaps it should (it was cold and wet so very inviting). My youngest remembered the 3rd (the hammer was lodged in her mind). Which brings me to today's visit when I suddenly remembered that the bloke giving us the tour was probably the same bloke who's been doing this for the last 30 years and wondered if he remembered return visitors? The cafe's now gone (Covid thing I believe) and the entry passageway is navigable in the Merc only if you tuck the wings in but just as all NT properties are, this one is small and perfectly formed. They need 140k for a new roof which is why everyone should join this venerable organisation so this wonderful forge-not-forge continues to educate, entertain and inform for decades to come.

Michael J.

5/5

This is a National Trust Property and we visited it in Sunny conditions on a Friday. You will get dripped on occasionally. we were on a tour and right at the start our excellent guide addressed the naming 'Elephant in the Room'. Despite the original owners calling it a foundry it was, in fact, a forge.
The tour started with the history of the family who set up the place, their clothing and the products made. We were then shown the whole process of how the forge would have operated. This included a description of how the three water-wheels were powered and close up views of the mechanisms. This involves being under the pool that powers the wheels which isn't entirely waterproof hence the occasional drips.
Moving inside all the mechanisms were described and there were demonstrations of one of the tilt hammers, a drop hammer and a rather nasty looking metal cutter. Unfortunately they weren't able to demonstrate the large (1 ton plus) tilt hammer since apparently it can be heard from 2 miles away and shakes the building alarmingly. The tour finished in the sharpening room.
This was a fascinating visit and well worth the time spent. On a practical note the entrance to the car park is narrow (2m) and it's worth getting a wide turn to make sure you go in straight.

Sander R.

5/5

Interesting tour with a lot of live demonstrations. I loved seeing the mill spring to life after the waterwheel was engaged. A great look into what a factory looked like pre industrial revolutions. Knowledgeable staff and lots of examples make the story easy to follow.

Andy R.

5/5

It's a great little museum. Well worth paying for the guided talk, which brings it to life, and you get to see a demonstration of original equipment up close. You could tell our guide was genuinely enthusiastic about the history behind Finch Foundry. I would suggest booking ahead of time. There is a short walk and pub/tearoom nearby too.